Shaquille O’Neal better known as Shaq is worth $400 million and growing. In this article, we are going to talk about what brands does Shaq own.
Shaq is one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He was selected first in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. And he was a center and played until 2011. During his tenured career Shaq won 4 NBA titles, 3 NBA finals MVP awards, and was the NBA most valuable player in 2000.
Shaq also became a movie star and a rapper, with his first rap album going platinum. He has since released 5 albums. Some of his film credits include Blue Chips, Kazaam, Steel, and Grown Ups 2.
In his NBA career Shaq accumulated $292 million in salary. Shaq is among the highest paid players ever in the NBA. So where does the other $100+ million come from?
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What Brands Does Shaq Own?
In 2018, Shaq founded the brand known as Big Chicken which has a total of 10 locations. The company also ships across the entire United States. He has even partnered with Carnival Cruise Lines to open Big Chicken on some of their cruise ships.
He also owns 40 24-Hour fitness gyms and 150 car washes. Additionally, Shaq owns a movie theater, shopping center, and a Night Club too. He is also the second largest individual shareholder of Authentic Brands Group. Notable subsidiaries of Authentic Brands Group include: Forever 21, Barneys New York, JCPenney, and Reebok.
Shaquille's Restaurant
Shaq also has a restaurant in Las Vegas known as Shaquille’s. The menu includes filet mignon, shrimp scampi, and chocolate cake.
Majority Agency
In 2021 Shaq founded the majority agency. The agency is a digital marketing firm. The agency has worked with clients such as Google, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Verizon.
Big Chicken
In addition to Shaq, Big Chicken is backed by JRS Hospitality, as well as Authentic Brands Group (ABG) which has helped grow multi-national chains.
JRS Hospitality has earned over $100 million in revenue on the Las Vegas Strip. It is the number one outdoor patio occupant in Las Vegas. This makes the brand a major player for restaurants, casinos, and other hospitality businesses.
Meanwhile, ABG is a major corporation and has earned over $20 Billion in revenue. ABG’s top brands include Forever 21, Juicy Couture, Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Tapout, and Prince. ABG has also begun the process of acquiring major athletic apparel and sneaker brand Reebok. They have endorsed celebrities including Shaq, explaining the partnership between the two major players.
Big Chicken prides itself on delivering a menu with bold flavors mixed with home-cooked childhood favorites. The Big Chicken menu offers a variety of signature sandwiches. This includes the BIg and Sloppy sandwich, which has onion rings, macaroni and cheese, and a barbecue aioli sauce. For those that like their sandwiches on the spicier side, the Uncle Jerome is a Nashville themed chicken sandwich with lettuce, mayo and pickles.
For those that are beloved fans of Shaq, be sure to order the Shaq Attack, which has pepper jack cheese, jalepeño slaw, and a spicy chipotle bbq sauce. The menu does go far past just sandwiches as there are tenders, popcorn chicken, and salads.
The current 10 locations are spread across
- Arizona,
- California,
- Illinois,
- Louisiana,
- New York,
- Nevada,
- Ohio,
- Texas,
- Washington, and
- Carnival Cruise Line.
Competition
Big Chicken recognizes its demand and limited locations to deliver the flavor and experience so many individuals crave. The brand, as a result, ships across the U.S. for people to enjoy Big Chicken directly at home.
Currently, this brand is looking for new franchisees and with the celebrity backing of Shaq and business expertise between him and JRS Hospitality, it is a great opportunity. However, this is fierce competition in the chicken sandwich industry. Chick-Fil-A has a strong following and their demand is unparalleled.
Their competitor, Dave’s Hot Chicken has currently signed over 500 franchise agreements. This Nashville Chicken themed restaurant has begun to expand across the U.S. and is expected to open another 75 locations this calendar year. Dave’s Hot Chicken already has 61 locations open and with the demand to open additional locations Big Chicken has its work cut out for the brand. Additionally, you can expect to earn $223,000 annually from a Dave’s Hot Chicken franchise. Big Chicken is too young of a brand to report on their annual profit, but it can be expected to be fairly similar. The backing of JRS hospitality, and ABG provide Big Chicken with a major capital and strategic advantage in the chicken sandwich and restaurant industries.
Franchises: What Brands Does Shaq Own?
Shaq owns, operates and sells a variety of franchises.
Five Guys
For example, Shaq has owned and sold 155 Five Guys locations. This accounts for 10% of Five Guys‘ entire franchise portfolio. That’s a lot of hamburgers that Shaq has made possible.
Five Guys is an American fast casual restaurant chain focused on hamburgers, hot dogs, and French fries. The company was founded in 1986 by Jerry and Janie Murrell as a small, family-operated chain of 30 locations. The chain has since expanded to over 1,500 locations across the United States and international locations. Shaq first became involved with Five Guys in 2008 when he purchased a location in Atlanta. He then went on to open dozens more stores across the country.
Auntie Anne's Pretzel
Shaw also owns 17 Aunties Anne’s Pretzel restaurants. Auntie Anne’s is famous for being in malls, and shopping centers. They offer a variety of pretzels and cinnamon themed bite sized snacks. Truly, a shopping staple in the U.S.
Auntie Anne’s is a pretzel company founded in 1988 by Anne Beiler and her husband, Jonas, in the Downington Farmers Market in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The company is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Shaq signed on as a franchisee with Auntie Anne’s in 2010 and currently owns 17 stores across the country.
Papa John's Pizza
Papa John’s is the third largest pizza delivery company in the United States. The company was founded in 1984 by John Schnatter. Today, there are over 4,700 Papa John’s locations worldwide.
Shaq in 2019, became the spokesperson and director of Papa John’s Pizza. This came directly after the controversial outing of their former CEO Schnatter. Shaq currently owns 9 Papa John franchises. Pizza Shaq seems to be an empire waiting to happen given the success he has had with Five Guys. By being contracted by Papa John’s with an $11 million compensation plan, it is fair to assume that Shaq’s number of locations will continue to grow.
Krispy Kreme
Shaq has also begun franchising opportunities with world renowned donut chain Krispy Kreme. He has already acquired the world famous location in Atlanta.
Krispy Kreme is an American global doughnut company and coffeehouse chain founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme’s product offerings include a variety of doughnuts, as well as coffees, beverages, and merchandise. Currently there are over 1,300 Krispy Kreme stores around the world with more to come thanks to Shaq’s involvement.
24-Hour Fitness
Shaq is also an investor in the global health club company, 24-Hour Fitness. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, 24-Hour Fitness is the world’s largest operator of fitness centers with more than 430 locations in the United States. Shaquille O’Neal has been involved with 24 Hour Fitness since 2013 when he first became a brand ambassador. In 2016, he became a member of the board of directors and then in 2019 he became a strategic advisor for the company.
Other Shaq investments
Apple and Google are two of the most well-known companies in the world. So what does Shaq have to do with them? Well, he is an early investor in both companies. In 2014, Shaq revealed that he had invested $1 million each into both Google and Apple back in 2004.
He also invested on Lyft, Vitaminwater, Sacramento Kings, Ring, Pepsi, and eSports.
Lyft
Lyft is an American transportation network company based in San Francisco, California and operating in 640 cities in the United States and 9 cities in Canada. The company was founded in June 2012 by Logan Green and John Zimmer to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation. Shaq first invested in Lyft when it was still a startup back in 2013. He has continued to invest more money into the company as it has grown and become more successful.
Vitaminwater
Vitaminwater is a line of enhanced water products owned by The Coca-Cola Company. The original product was created in 1996 and acquired by Coca-Cola in 2007. Shaq has been a long time fan of Vitaminwater and he even has his own flavor called “Shaq Fu Punch.” He first partnered with the company in 2008 and has since appeared in many of their commercials.
Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings is an American professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California. The Kings compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference’s Pacific Division. The Kings are the only team in the major professional North American sports leagues located in Sacramento. Shaq has been a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings since 2013. He is part of a group that owns approximately 5% of the team.
Ring
Ring is a home security company owned by Amazon. It was founded in 2012 by Jamie Siminoff. The company’s flagship product is the Ring Video Doorbell, which allows users to see and speak with visitors to their door via a smartphone app. Shaq became an investor in Ring in 2016 and he has also appeared in some of their commercials.
Pepsi
Pepsi is an American carbonated soft drink produced and manufactured by PepsiCo. Shaq has been a long time fan of Pepsi and he even has his own flavor called “Shaq Soda”.
eSports
eSports is a form of competitive video gaming. The eSports tournaments are often sponsored by companies like Coca-Cola, Red Bull, and Intel. Shaq is a minority owner of NRG eSports, an American esports organization founded in 2015 that competes in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Fortnite Battle Royale, Rocket League, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. He first invested in the company in 2016.
Shaq owns a total of 50 brands in different industries. He certainly knows how to make money. From fitness, to car washes, to restaurants, Shaq has his hands in a little bit of everything.
Shaq Up
Shaq’s legendary NBA career will always be remembered. Shaq’s business aspirations during and after his career are arguably just as impressive. He has the power to turn brands like Papa John’s around following PR nightmares.
Furthermore, he is a major outlier as it is reported that 60% of NBA players go broke following the end of their career. Shaq was an inspiration on the court and is an entrepreneurial icon for anyone aiming to start and operate their own businesses or franchises.
Big Chicken has the potential to be his most successful business to date. Chicken Sandwich restaurants have been a cultural awakening and Shaq has the fast casual experience and celebrity endorsement power to make it a major brand. JRS Hospitality and ABG will also be major players to help ensure its success.
While you might be impressed with the businesses and franchises Shaq owns, be sure to check out the countless other opportunities on Vetted Biz.
Conclusion
Shaq is a great manager and knows what it takes to run a business. He is always improving and innovating his brands. Shaq has the drive and determination to make sure all of his businesses are successful. And he likes to be involved in all aspects of his businesses. He is a great role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Shaq is a true entrepreneur and business man. He knows how to make money and he is always improving and innovating his brands.
Shaq is always improving and innovating his brands.His latest venture, Big Chicken, has the potential to be his most successful business yet. With his celebrity endorsement power and fast casual experience, Shaq could make Big Chicken into a major brand. Be sure to check out Vetted Biz for other opportunities like this one.
FAQs
What businesses does Shaq o neal own? ›
Some of the franchises Shaquille owns include Papa John's, Auntie Annie's, Five Guys, 24-hour Fitness Centers, Car Washes, and Krispy Kreme. He has other business ventures outside of franchising, such as Lyft and JCPenney.
What restaurant does Shaq own? ›Since he announced his retirement in 2011, the NBA star has become the owner of 155 Five Guys hamburger establishments, which represented 10% of the total company.
Does Shaq own the rights to Elvis Presley? ›CKX now owns rights to Elvis' music and other trademarks. “I put all of those other brands into my company, and I own all of them,” Shaq told Earn Your Leisure. Despite that, Michael Jackson never obtained any rights to Elvis' catalog.
How many companies does Shaq own? ›Shaq owns a total of 50 brands in different industries. He certainly knows how to make money. From fitness, to car washes, to restaurants, Shaq has his hands in a little bit of everything.
Does Shaq own JCPenney? ›O'Neal is reportedly the second highest individual shareholder of the Authentic Brands Group. This company is responsible for many brand and retailer acquisitions, including Forever 21, Reebok, Barneys New York and JCPenney.
What Vegas clubs does Shaq own? ›- XS NIGHTCLUB.
- ENCORE BEACH CLUB.
- ENCORE BEACH CLUB AT NIGHT.
- WYNN FIELD CLUB.
He also has franchise investments in the Burger King and Denny's restaurant families. Frank's impact on NWP has been formative with oversight of all development and construction design for the company, managing more than $200 million in projects.
How much does Shaq own of Papa Johns? ›He has owned and sold 155 Five Guys Burgers restaurants — which totaled 10% of the company's entire franchise portfolio. He also owns 17 Auntie Anne's Pretzels restaurants and nine Papa John's franchise units.
What does Shaq own at Walmart? ›Shaq eventually began selling a line of Shaq brand shoes at Walmart that he said in 2016 sold “over 120 million pairs of affordable shoes for kids.” The TV personality isn't the only NBA start to sell affordable shoes, as the ex-New York Knicks player Stephon Marbury endorsed his own range of Starbury sneakers, which . ...
Does Shaq own Muhammad Ali? ›Shaquille O'Neal reveals he owns rights to Muhammad Ali, Marylin Monroe, and other celebrities. In an interview, Shaq revealed that he owned the rights to the royalties of celebrities like Marylin Monroe and Elvis Presley. “I don't like to seem like I'm bragging, but I'm gonna ask you a question.